Ski training apparatus and method

ABSTRACT

An apparatus and method to facilitate training for skiing, skating, roller-blading and the like, where an experienced person may assist or direct a novice. The apparatus includes a stiff, curvilinear hoop or similar shape with a handle section and an adjacent padded frontal section. In one of several methods, one person is positioned within the apparatus and the apparatus is placed against that person&#39;s torso, and another person is able to grasp the apparatus and to control or lead the first person.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention is directed to an apparatus and method for one person to guide another in a recreational sport and more particularly to a training device and method used between an experienced skier and a novice skier in order to control the novice skier and thereby facilitate the novice skier's development of confidence, skill and self-control.

BACKGROUND AND SUMMARY

Numerous devices are known to attach an experienced skier to a novice skier in training. Most notable, relative to the present invention, are those devices that are specifically designed to hold the novice skier back while allowing downhill motion to acclimate the novice or child to the sensation of solo skiing—without the inherent hazard of loosing control due to their lack of skill in using the ski edges for turning and stopping. While the current methods and devices are well suited for limiting the rate of decent, they are inadequate for sustaining or encouraging the skier's posture in an upright and balanced position. Furthermore, the various devices do not enable an experienced person to provide supportive and directive forces to the torso of the novice. Accordingly, the current apparatus and methods, for the most part, fail to eliminate or significantly reduce the potential for the novice to fall.

For example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,074,795 to Clark teaches a pair of reins attached to the waist of a child where an experienced skier simply acts as an anchor to hold back on the skier to limit the rate of decent of the novice skier. Similarly the Buchheister patents, U.S. Pat. No. 4,424,040 and subsequent divisional U.S. Pat. No. 4,509,921, disclose reins connected to a halter in order to join the skiers. The prior art appears to be suited for the specific purpose of controlling the downhill velocity of a novice skier. However, these devices are restricted in their ability to provide vertical stability and balance to the novice. Additionally, the prior art fails to provide an actual rigid or stiff connection between the two skiers which is considered necessary for both safety and training purposes (e.g., providing tactile feedback to the trainer relative to the novice's leaning, turning, posture, etc). Consequently, the present invention provides for a stiff member that links the skiers together in order to assert the necessary advantage to control the novice skier. In particular, the described method and apparatus enable the novice to be held or encouraged to maintain an upright position, to lean while turning and, therefore, not to fall onto the slope or other snow-covered surface.

One aspect of the invention is directed to a constraining apparatus, comprising: a firm curvilinear section with a frontal region at least partially surrounding a torso of a first person; and an adjacent handle section, operatively connected to the curvilinear section, said handle section being suitable for grasping by a second person, so as to enable the second person to control the movement of the frontal inner region, and thereby the first person.

Another aspect of the invention is directed to a hoop apparatus, comprising; a contoured and curvilinear closed member, said closed or open member including a frontal section engaging an anterior torso of a first skier; and an adjacent handle section, also included on said closed member, said handle section providing a grip for a second skier so as to enable the second skier to direct the movement of the first skier using the hoop apparatus.

A further aspect of the invention is directed to a method of controlling a skier, comprising: positioning a second skier on skis behind a first skier on skis; placing stiff hoop under the arms and at least partially around the torso of one skier; the other skier grasping a rearward handle section of said hoop; and one of the first and second skiers applying a force to the ski-hoop to direct the movement of the other of the first and second skiers on a snow-covered surface.

An objective of this invention is to provide an apparatus to facilitate teaching a novice or neophyte skier proper balance and technique. The apparatus and method described herein facilitate teaching by incorporating a stiff apparatus to provide a link between two skiers (or two skaters, roller-bladers, etc.).

In summary, disclosed herein are a method and apparatus for directing or controlling a person on skis in order to facilitate their successful negotiation of a snow-covered slope. This apparatus is particularly suited for vertically stabilizing a novice skier or skater as they acquire the balancing skills necessary for basic maneuvers such as turning and stopping.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention may take form in various embodiments, components and arrangements of components, and in various steps and arrangements of steps. The drawings are for purposes of illustrating an embodiment and are not to be construed as limiting.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a ski-hoop apparatus forming an aspect of the disclosed invention;

FIG. 2 is an alternative embodiment of the apparatus illustrating extension members;

FIG. 3 is a detailed view of a pin hinge of a collapsible apparatus;

FIG. 4 is a detailed view of a flex hinge of an alternative collapsible apparatus;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of another alternative collapsible apparatus employing a shock cord;

FIG. 6 is a view of the folded position of the collapsible apparatus of FIG. 5;

FIG. 7 is a pictorial representation of one method of using the ski-hoop;

FIG. 8 is a representation of an alternative method of using the ski-hoop; and

FIG. 9 is a representation of the use of an extended ski-hoop apparatus of FIG. 2 in use.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

The present invention will be described in connection with various embodiments, however, it will be understood that there is no intent to limit the invention to the embodiments described. On the contrary, the intent is to cover all alternatives, modifications, and equivalents as may be included within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

For a general understanding of the present invention, reference is made to the drawings. In the drawings, like reference numerals have been used throughout to designate identical elements. It is also noted that the various drawings illustrating the present invention are not to scale and that certain regions may have been purposely drawn disproportionately so that the features and concepts of the present invention could be properly illustrated.

As noted above, the present invention is described herein with respect to two skiers skiing in a tandem relationship whereby one skier is in direct control of the other. It will be appreciated, however, that the present invention may be used in a variety of training activities where an experienced person may wish to control or direct the movement of a novice or less experienced person. Examples of such activities include not only skiing, but also ice skating, roller-blading, roller-skating, and various other sports or activities where a link is desired between the experienced person and the novice. It is also contemplated that the disclosed apparatus and method may be employed to facilitate skiing or similar activities with visually impaired persons or persons having other disabilities.

As used herein, the terms “stiff” and “inflexible” are intended to convey their normal characterization of a particular component or material. However, it should also be appreciated that due to the nature of the present invention, the materials employed are intentionally lightweight and, when assembled into the disclosed apparatus, will have some inherent flexure depending on the structures and dimensions employed to implement the apparatus.

Referring to FIG. 1, there is illustrated a perspective view of an embodiment of the present invention. Hoop 100 is comprised of two 180-degree arcuate or curvilinear sections at the opposing ends (110, 120) and joined by generally parallel sides 115 therebetween to form a somewhat elliptical or pear-shaped perimeter. Hoop 100 is a contoured and curvilinear closed member, having a frontal section 120 for engaging an anterior torso of a first skier. Hoop 100 also includes an adjacent handle section 110, where the handle section provides a grip for a second skier—to enable the second skier to direct the movement of the first skier using the hoop as depicted in FIG. 7, for example. While hoop 100 is shown as a contiguous and closed member it is conceivable for hoop 100 to take on other geometric forms, for example an outline shape of the curvilinear member may conform to the contour depicted by the letter “C” or alternatively the letter “S” for example.

Hoop 100 is stiff, and may be formed of a tubular material having either a solid or a hollow cross section (e.g., circular cross-section for thin-walled steel tubing). Various forming or manufacturing methods may be employed to manufacture the hoop. Hoop 100 may also be produced in large volumes by utilizing a molding, casting or ejection process using a thermosetting polymer or similar materials. Alternative materials may be employed for forming the hoop, including various plastics or polymers (e.g., polypropylene, polyvinylchloride), laminated materials, fiberglass, aluminum, steel and other metals and alloys, as well as wood.

Continuing with FIG. 1, a pad provides for the safety and comfort of the novice skier and comprises padding 124 beneath a covering 122. The pad rests against the anterior torso area of the skier. The padding is constructed from a compressive and resilient material such as open or closed cell foam, or any other padding material suitable for absorbing and displacing dynamic forces. Padding 124 is protected by cover 122, which is a tear resistant and weather durable material such as nylon or the like. Additionally the pad (padding 124 and/or cover 122) may be removable to accommodate replacement as well as provide for a variety of different materials, colors and profiles, which are best suited to a specific novice skier. Cover 122, having padding 124 included therein, is wrapped around frontal section 120 and secured unto itself by means of a series of single fasteners, such as a snap or button or a single linear fastener such as a zipper or hook-and-loop type fastener. It will also be appreciated that the padded region in contact with the torso may be extended so as to cover more or even all of the frontal section 120, and may further include alternate shapes and thicknesses dependent upon the intended use, size of the skier, etc.

The handle section 110 of hoop 100 provides a positive gripping surface to overcome the inherent grasping limitations attributed to a gloved hand in a cold and icy environment. In order to mitigate hand slippage, a coating or surface treatment 112 is applied over part or all handle section 110. Covering 112 is a pliable material selected to conform to the curvilinear gripping region of handle section 110 and thereby provide a surface that reduces slippage as well as an increased the diameter to enhance the gripping force. Covering 112 can be a bonded coating, plastic or rubber tubing slipped over handle 110 or a grip tape that is wrapped onto at least a portion of the handle section of hoop 100. Such materials are well known and are used, for example, on various goods (e.g., car steering wheels, bicycle handlebars). As noted above, various components of the hoop 100 may be constructed from a variety and combination of materials, as well as various shapes and sizes.

In another embodiment of the invention, shown in FIG. 2, there is depicted an alternative embodiment of the hoop that provides means for adjusting the length of said contoured curvilinear member and thereby altering the distance between the frontal region and the handle section. In other words, the embodiment contemplates an adjustable or variable distance between the two 180-degree curved sections (120, 130) at the opposing extremities of adjustable hoop 150. In this embodiment, detachable handle section 130 and padded frontal section 120 are separate and distinct members that are operatively connected to one another. Frontal section 120 and handle section 130 may connect directly to one another or, as depicted, extension members 125 can be engaged therebetween to increase the distance between the two tandem skiers. As depicted in FIG. 9, the means for adjusting the length of said contoured curvilinear member might be of a length so that the forward skier's skis 155 lie ahead of the reward skis 145. Extension members 125 are rigid and can be attached to handles 130 and 120 in any manner already known and practiced by those skilled in the art. In one embodiment, the coupling means would consist of an extension member 125 having an inside diameter equal to the outside dimension of the handle members and thereby having each slidably engaged and fastened one within another by pin 126, clip, bolt or similar means to ensure a fixed connection. The length of extension member 125 is generally within the range of 1 to 6 feet and is selected as a function of the desired distance between first skier 140 and second skier 135 based on skill level. In another embodiment, the adjusting means includes a plurality of lockable positions so that the frontal and handle sections 120 and 130 are arranged in a telescoping relationship in order to adjust the distance between the two skiers. In the telescoping embodiment, it will be appreciated that a button-like detent (e.g., spring-operated ball) and series of aligned holes, or a compressive lock (e.g., a beveled ring compressed against a flared inner tube by a threaded collar on the outer tube) may be employed to lock or hold the adjusting means at the desired length.

A further alternative for conjoining handles 120 and 130 includes a hinge or similar flexible member that is locked or fixed in an “open” position during use. Referring to FIG. 3, a hinged connection provides for portability of the hoop 100 either on the ski lift or for traveling, as well as storage of the apparatus when not in use as generally depicted in FIG. 6. Hinge point and pin 104 pivotally connects the frontal and handle sections and a locking device, such as a collar, spring clip, pin, or similar means to ensure that the sections of hoop 100 remain in an “open” or extended position when in use. In one example, compression spring 108 provides a force to encourage locking collar 106 to rest against stop flange 102 and thereby constrain hinge point 104 in the open position.

In an alternative depicted in FIG. 4, a bendable connection is made between handle sections 120 and 130 to replace hinge point 104. The bendable connection would involve inserting flexible bending member 118 between the two sections 120 and 130, whereby locking collar 106, or similar restraining device, slides over the bendable joint to secure hoop 100 in the open position as previously described. Bending member 118 is comprised of a helix spring, rubber or any other elastic material with suitable resiliency to prevent permanent deformation when bent at approximately a 180-degree angle as shown in FIG. 6

Referring now to FIG. 5, there is depicted yet another alternative embodiment for a collapsible ski-hoop. Hoop 100 comprises two sections, padded frontal section 120 and detachable handle section 130. Frontal section 120 has at each open-end receiver 116, whereby the ends of detachable handle section 130 are inserted therein to form continuous hoop 100. Shock cord 114 is a continuous and elongated elastic member passing within the hollow tubing of the frontal section 120 and detachable handle section 130. Handle sections 120 and 130 of hoop 100 are held in an operatively connected relationship by means of shock cord 114 and receiver 116 when assembled for use.

Referring now to FIG. 7, hoop 100 is designed to permit two skiers to proceed down a slope in a tandem relationship, where the novice skier has the benefit of being controlled and held upward by the experienced skier who either follows from behind or leads as in FIG. 8. First skier 140 and second skier 135 are held in a relatively fixed relationship when second skier 135 grasps handle 110 of hoop 100 so as to control the direction and position of first skier 140. The method of controlling a first skier by a second skier includes positioning second skier 135 on a second pair of skis 155 behind a first skier 140 on a first pair of skis 145, whereas the first pair of skis 145 is placed between the second pair of skis 155, which are in a snowplow like position. Second skier 135 applies a force to handle section of hoop 100 to direct the motion of the first skier while proceeding down a ski slope, where the applied force includes a vertical upward force to correct the posture of the first skier or even to support the first skier. Accordingly, frontal section 120 is positioned under the arms and across the upper torso of first skier 140 in order to sustain an upright position. Moreover, due to the stiffness of hoop 100, and the holding force applied to handle 110 or 130 by second skier 135; the hoop 100 may be used to support some or possibly all of the first skier's weight. It will be appreciated that the second skier may also grasp the hoop along the sides 115 of the handle section to provide a greater ability to apply an upward or supporting force to the frontal section and the first skier. Safety tether 105 provides a reliable back-up connection in the event the grip of second skier 135 on handle 110 is interrupted by either skier falling onto the slope. Although not shown, the tether may be applied to the first skier as well, or possibly separate tethers applied to both skiers so as to prevent them from becoming separated in the event that one skier falls. One objective of the method depicted is to prevent the first skier 140 from becoming independent from the control of second skier 135 and thereby limit the possibility of a collision with an object or another skier.

Referring to the depiction of an alternative method as shown in FIG. 8, hoop 100 again provides a tandem connection or link between two skiers, albeit the aforementioned positions of the skiers are transposed. In other words, the apparatus is employed in a method where second skier 135 now leads first skier 140. Given certain slope conditions, skills and age, this orientation may be preferred. For example, having a novice located behind an experienced skier provides a sense of security and a certain level confidence when the beginner suffers from the anxiety of being out of view, and in front of, second skier 135.

While developing specific downhill skills it may be desirable to continue the tandem skiing relationship using hoop 100, however in order to allow the first skier's skis 155 increased mobility it is advantageous to separate skis 145 from between skis 155 by increasing the relative distance between the two skiers. Adjustable hoop 150, as previously described relative to FIG. 2 allows for hoop 100 to be elongated by inserting extension members 125 between the detachable handle 130 and frontal section 120. Referring also to FIG. 9, the method of tandem skiing comprising an adjustable ski hoop 150 whereby first skier 140 is now ahead of and out from between the second set of skis 155, and is afforded additional latitude to accommodate a snowplow stance or possibly to maneuver a turn. An additional advantage of adjustable ski hoop 150 is the ability for second skier 135 to be positioned inside adjustable hoop 150 having handle 130 circumvent their back so as to improve the second skier's leverage on hoop 150, and thereby further assist the second skier in maintaining a correct posture of first skier 140.

As seen from the foregoing description of the apparatus and the method of tandem ski hoop 100 provide a valuable tool for the teaching and improvement of recreational skiing and similar sports. The versatility of such a device allows for the establishment of a positive and productive relationship between the two skiers for either teaching skiing principles and methods or simply safe pleasure skiing with another person. The distinct advantage of the disclosed apparatus and method is the improved ability to prevent the novice skier from falling, which provides the necessary safety and self-confidence to establish an enthusiasm for the sport of alpine skiing and the like.

While the apparatus and method have been described with reference to various embodiments, it is evident that many alternatives, modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Accordingly, the invention is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications and variations that fall within the spirit and broad scope of the appended claims. 

1. A constraining apparatus, comprising: a stiff curvilinear section with a frontal section at least partially surrounding a torso of a person; and a stiff adjacent handle section operatively connected to the curvilinear section, said handle section being suitable for grasping by another person, so as to enable one person to control the movement of the other person.
 2. The constraining apparatus of claim 1, wherein at least a portion of the frontal section includes a covering.
 3. The constraining apparatus of claim 2, wherein said covering is removable from the apparatus.
 4. The constraining apparatus of claim 1, wherein said handle section is covered to provide a positive grip thereabout.
 5. The constraining apparatus of claim 2, wherein said covering includes a padding material.
 6. The constraining apparatus of claim 1, wherein said curvilinear section includes a stiff tubular material having a circular cross-section.
 7. The constraining apparatus of claim 1, further including means for adjusting the distance between the frontal section and the handle section.
 8. The constraining apparatus of claim 1, wherein said adjacent handle section is also curvilinear in shape and is operatively connected to the frontal section to form a continuous enclosure that at least partially abuts an anterior torso of a person,
 9. A hoop apparatus, comprising; a contoured and curvilinear member, said member including a frontal section engaging an anterior torso of a skier; and an adjacent handle section, also included on said curvilinear member, said handle section providing a grip for another skier so as to enable one skier to direct the movement of the other skier using the hoop apparatus.
 10. The hoop apparatus of claim 9, wherein said frontal section includes a padding along at least a portion thereof that contacts the skier.
 11. The hoop apparatus of claim 10, wherein the padding is removable.
 12. The hoop apparatus of claim 9, wherein said adjacent handle section is covered with a grip material.
 13. The hoop apparatus of claim 9, wherein said curvilinear member is constructed from a tubular material.
 14. The hoop apparatus of claim 13, wherein the tubular material is selected from the group consisting of: polypropylene, polyvinylchloride, fiber glass, plastic, aluminum, steel, brass and wood.
 15. The hoop apparatus of claim 9, wherein said handle section is detachable from said frontal section.
 16. The hoop apparatus of claim 15, wherein said frontal and handle sections are pivotally connected to one another
 17. The hoop apparatus of claim 15 further including extension members located between said handle section and said frontal section.
 18. The hoop apparatus of claim 17, wherein said extension members are removeably inserted between said handle section and said frontal section to adjust the distance separating the frontal section and the handle section.
 19. A method of controlling a skier, comprising: positioning a second skier on skis behind a first skier on skis; placing stiff hoop under the arms and at least partially around the torso of one skier; the other skier grasping a rearward handle section of said hoop; and one of the first and second skiers applying a force to the ski-hoop to direct the movement of the other of the first and second skiers on a snow-covered surface.
 20. The method of claim 19 wherein the rearward handle section of said hoop also encloses the other skier therein. 